Things To Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Whether you are a culture seeker, food aficionado, outdoor adventurer or history lover, Louisiana is filled with opportunities for you to #FeedYourSoul.
Here's a roundup of fun Louisiana events and activities.
With nine state museums and 21 state parks and preserves, there is no shortage of things to do every day of the year in Louisiana. Head to countless festivals. Listen to live music that will get in your bones and never leave. Enjoy world-class fishing, boating and paddling. Get up close with nature on biking and hiking trails. You'll find excellent camping and picnic areas, including well-equipped cabins and RV parks at a Louisiana state park.
Discover the history of Mardi Gras, see Louis Armstrong's cornet, relive historical moments in Louisiana sports history and so much more when you visit one of Louisiana's state museums. There are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture that makes Louisiana such a special place. These are just a few #OnlyLouisiana events happening around the state this weekend. For a full list of this weekend's events, click here!
Alex River Fête
May 1-3
Alexandria
Experience Alexandria's vibrant culture and heritage all weekend long. Set on the banks of the Red River, this free, three-day festival leaves no creative stone unturned: From chef-driven dinners to a community-organized art walk and an independent artists' village, you'll experience the best Louisiana has to offer. Plus, catch exciting nightly performances by artists like Rebirth Brass Band and Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience.
While you're in Alexandria, sample the city's most delicious dishes. Try a prime steak at The Diamond Grill, which is steps from the riverfront, or savor a luxurious half-shell platter at Tunk’s Cypress Inn. Not in the mood for food? Hike through the gorgeous, hardwood Kisatchie National Forest, or view modern masterpieces at Alexandria Museum of Art.
Explore Alexandria-Pineville.
A Taste of Covington Festival
May 1-31
Covington
Celebrate food, wine, music and art in Covington during A Taste of Covington Festival. Throughout May, you can stop by participating restaurants for curated four- to five-course meals and wine pairings. There will also be special ticketed events, like the Global Whiskey Tasting and a Champagne Brunch.
Feeling inspired after a weekend of wining and dining? Try some new delicious recipes in your own home with fresh, seasonal ingredients from the Covington Farmers’ Market or the Abita Springs Art & Farmers' Market.
MayFest
May 2-3
Leesville
What if we told you that you could listen to 15 zydeco, rock and country bands — for free? At Leesville’s MayFest, enjoy two days of live music, family-friendly fun and delicious scratch-made soul food. From a Saturday morning pancake breakfast to a night of funky zydeco tunes, there’s an experience for everyone.
While you’re in town, explore west Louisiana’s ever-evolving art scene at Gallery One Eleven. Later, swing by the West Louisiana Museum to learn about the parish — and its fascinating World War II history.
Plan your trip to Vernon Parish.
Zwolle Loggers & Forestry Festival
May 2-3
Zwolle
Rooted in more than 100 years of forestry business, the Zwolle Loggers & Forestry Festival honors the hardworking folks of this industry. Join the fun for unique events, including wiener-dog races, mudding competitions and contests to guess the weight of a loaded log truck, and classic festivities like carnival rides, a parade and live music.
Before the festival, get a taste of local tamales — which even sparked their own food festival — at spots like The Original Zwolle Tamales or L&W Tamale House. Have a little extra time? Traverse sections of the historic El Camino Real with fun shopping stops along the way during Sale on the Trail.
Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival
May 2-4
Breaux Bridge
For more than 60 years, thousands of people from across the globe have savored decadent Louisiana seafood at the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival — and for good reason. While you’re here, jive to more than 30 swamp pop and zydeco performances, bust a move at a dance contest, take a music heritage workshop — and most importantly, eat some dang good food.
On your drive in, stop by Louisiana Marketshops at the 115. What appears at first as a vibrant front porch decked with folk art is actually a marketplace — one that showcases more than 450 local artists and their works, like hand-painted gumbo bowls and wood carvings.
Learn more about St. Martin Parish.
Red, White & Blue Airshow
May 2-4
Monroe
The Red, White & Blue Airshow returns to Monroe with a lineup of fantastic performers, including the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the Titan Aerobatic Team and many more. Along with a traditional day show, you can also attend two special twilight shows that take place as the sun sets and continue with lit-up planes flying against the dark evening sky.
Check out the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum for a look at restored aircraft, vintage gear and Louisiana’s aviation heroes, including General Claire Lee Chennault and astronaut Jim Halsell. After a glimpse into the Bayou State history, savor some local flavors with a crawfish boil festival or Cajun treats along the riverside at Trapp’s Cajun & Seafood Restaurant.
Bossier Night Market
May 3
Bossier City
What’s better than an evening of food, music, lights and 200-plus vendors at Bossier City Night Market? Try making it Star Wars and Cinco de Mayo themed. Enjoy all your favorite night-market highlights along with character costumes, light saber fun, special kids’ activities and a stunning fireworks display.
Start your Saturday early and refreshed with a morning yoga session in the park. After, indulge in a leisurely brunch with warm, oven-fresh biscuit sandwiches at Shreveport Biscuit Company, Southern classics chicken and waffles from Up for Brunch Café or beignets and hearty entrées at Marilynn’s Place. You can burn off some of the extra calories with a walk along the Red River.
Visit Shreveport-Bossier City.
Morehouse May Madness
Bastrop
May 3
Hit the streets of downtown Bastrop for Morehouse May Madness! This free festival features art, classic car exhibits, live music and a children’s zone. Shop the onsite farmers market, too, for local food and vibrant, artisan made goods.
After an afternoon of festival fun, take a short drive to nearby Monroe. Explore the city's charming main street, which offers several local restaurants and shops, or hunt for treasures along West-Monroe’s Antique Alley.
Learn more about Morehouse Parish.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
May 4
Shreveport
Get ready for a day of cultural family-friendly fun at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. Savor tantalizing Mexican flavors with authentic dishes, sip delicious festive drinks and listen to live music — including a mariachi band. Plus, there will be plenty of kids’ activities to keep your youngsters entertained.
Arrive in town before the festival and take advantage of the local sights. Explore fascinating museums, like Southern University Museum of Art, savor tasty Latin cuisine at restaurants like Sabores Dominican Bar & Grill and Ki’ Mexico, or get out in the springtime weather at Ford Park and Red River National Wildlife Refuge.
Visit Shreveport-Bossier City.
First Free Sunday
May 4
Baton Rouge
Explore Baton Rouge to the fullest in a budget-friendly way with First Free Sunday at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum. Held the first Sunday of every month, you and your crew can see ancient artifacts, including mummies and dinosaurs, or explore the mysteries of the universe. This Sunday, don’t forget to stop at the planetarium for a special Star Wars-inspired show (tickets are $5).
It isn’t just the Louisiana Art & Science Museum that’s offering free admission on Sunday. Take advantage of this monthly event to experience more of the state’s intriguing history, geography and culture at places like the Capitol Park Museum, Magnolia Mound and the LSU Center for River Studies.
Make Plans for Louisiana This Month
Whether it's one of our many exciting festivals or an adventure in the great outdoors, there is always something unique to experience in Louisiana. Be sure to check our calendar of events for the most up-to-date list of festivities.
